Seun Kuti will play Fela in Izu Ojukwu's '77: The Festac Conspiracy"
Quote from Oladosun Joshua Segun on September 7, 2023, 11:09 PMThe news is out and it's official: Seun Kuti, the youngest son of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, will star as his father in the upcoming biopic '77: The Festac Conspiracy'. The film, directed by acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Izu Ojukwu, will focus on the events of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC '77), which was held in Lagos in {1977} and featured Fela as one of the main performers.
Seun Kuti, who is also a musician and the leader of his father's former band Egypt 80, said he was honored and excited to play the role of Fela, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and controversial artists in African history. Seun said he hopes to portray Fela's charisma, courage and creativity on the big screen, as well as his political activism and social criticism.
'77: The Festac Conspiracy' will also explore the tensions and conflicts that arose during FESTAC '77, which was meant to celebrate African culture and unity, but also faced criticism from some quarters for being too extravagant, westernized and politicized. The film will show how Fela used his music and his influence to challenge the status quo and speak truth to power, even at the risk of his own life.
The film is expected to be released in 2024, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of FESTAC '77. It will feature original music by Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, as well as archival footage and interviews with some of the participants and witnesses of the festival. The film is being produced by Ojukwu's production company FilmOne Entertainment, in collaboration with the Fela Anikulapo-Kuti Estate and the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC).
'77: The Festac Conspiracy' promises to be a thrilling and enlightening cinematic experience that will showcase the life and legacy of Fela Kuti, as well as the cultural and historical significance of FESTAC '77. Seun Kuti said he hopes the film will inspire a new generation of Africans to embrace their heritage and identity, and to use their art and voice to make a positive difference in the world.
The news is out and it's official: Seun Kuti, the youngest son of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, will star as his father in the upcoming biopic '77: The Festac Conspiracy'. The film, directed by acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Izu Ojukwu, will focus on the events of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC '77), which was held in Lagos in {1977} and featured Fela as one of the main performers.
Seun Kuti, who is also a musician and the leader of his father's former band Egypt 80, said he was honored and excited to play the role of Fela, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and controversial artists in African history. Seun said he hopes to portray Fela's charisma, courage and creativity on the big screen, as well as his political activism and social criticism.
'77: The Festac Conspiracy' will also explore the tensions and conflicts that arose during FESTAC '77, which was meant to celebrate African culture and unity, but also faced criticism from some quarters for being too extravagant, westernized and politicized. The film will show how Fela used his music and his influence to challenge the status quo and speak truth to power, even at the risk of his own life.
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The film is expected to be released in 2024, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of FESTAC '77. It will feature original music by Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, as well as archival footage and interviews with some of the participants and witnesses of the festival. The film is being produced by Ojukwu's production company FilmOne Entertainment, in collaboration with the Fela Anikulapo-Kuti Estate and the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC).
'77: The Festac Conspiracy' promises to be a thrilling and enlightening cinematic experience that will showcase the life and legacy of Fela Kuti, as well as the cultural and historical significance of FESTAC '77. Seun Kuti said he hopes the film will inspire a new generation of Africans to embrace their heritage and identity, and to use their art and voice to make a positive difference in the world.